Revival of Christmas Celebrations in Bethlehem and a Memorable First Christmas Eve Mass by the New Pope
On the eve of Christmas, countless individuals swarmed Manger Square in Bethlehem, injecting much-needed holiday cheer into the Holy Land after two years of muted celebrations due to the conflict in Gaza.
In the Vatican, the newly elected Pope, a native of the United States, led his inaugural Midnight Mass in the iconic St. Peter's Basilica. His sermon emphasized the "wisdom" of the Christmas narrative – the birth of the infant Jesus to deliver humanity.
Renewal of Christmas Festivities in Bethlehem
Bethlehem, the city believed by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus, had to put a halt on Christmas festivities during the war. But this year, the enormous Christmas tree was back in Manger Square, temporarily replacing the wartime crib scene of baby Jesus amidst ruins and barbed wire, a poignant tribute to the suffering of Gaza.
The highest Catholic authority in the Holy Land launched this year's celebrations with the traditional procession from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. His message was one of hope, advocating for "a Christmas filled with light." He arrived with heartening messages from the small Christian community in Gaza, where he conducted a Mass before Christmas. Amidst the ruins, he saw a determination to rebuild.
"Together, we choose to be the light, and Bethlehem's light is the world's light," he proclaimed to the assembled crowd, consisting of both Christians and Muslims.
Enduring Impact of the War
The repercussions of the war are particularly severe in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, especially in Bethlehem, where approximately 80% of the city's predominantly Muslim population rely on tourism-related businesses. There were only a few foreigners present, but some locals said they were beginning to see signs of change as tourism gradually rebounds.
"Today marks a day of joy, a day of hope, a beginning to the return of normal life here," said a resident of Bethlehem and tour guide. This was the first authentic Christmas celebration for her two young children.
During the war, her family adapted by creating a website selling Palestinian handicrafts to support those who lost their livelihoods. The city's unemployment rate skyrocketed from 14% to 65%, as stated by the Mayor of Bethlehem earlier this month.
A visitor from France expressed how being in Bethlehem made her appreciate the true significance of the holiday. "Christmas represents hope in extremely dark circumstances," she said.
Return to Normalcy Begins
Despite the ceasefire in Gaza that started in October, tensions in the West Bank remain high with military raids described as a clampdown on militants. Attacks by settlers against Palestinians have escalated to the highest point since the United Nations began collecting data in 2006.
Israel seized the West Bank during the 1967 Mideast war. The internationally recognized Palestinian Authority has limited autonomy in parts of the territory, including Bethlehem.
As poverty and unemployment rates have increased, about 4,000 people have migrated out of Bethlehem in search of work — this trend is worrying for Christians who are leaving the region in large numbers. Christians make up less than 2% of the West Bank's roughly 3 million residents.
Celebrations Not Restricted to Houses of Worship
People around the globe enjoyed Christmas traditions beyond churches too, from ice-skating in the Big Apple to charity swims in the chilly sea waters off Northern Ireland.
Down Florida's Space Coast, Santas swapped their sleighs for surfboards. Hundreds of surfers dressed as Santa took to the waves off Cocoa Beach, a tradition that has been ongoing for the past 17 years.
The Santa-surfing attracted thousands of spectators dressed in Christmas attire who danced to live music and participated in a holiday costume contest.
The event raises funds for a local Surf Museum and a nonprofit organization that assists individuals battling cancer.